Last day in Iceland

Today is our last day in this beautiful country.  We head off shortly to the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa  www.bluelagoon.com - go have a look for yourself.   The lagoon is created by the run-off from the Svartsengi power plant which pumps the geothermal heated water from a mile below the surface.  After being used to generate heat and electricity, the excess is ejected into the lagoon.  The temperature in the swimmable area averages about 40 degrees Celsius and it is a mineral-rich water purported to have curative powers.    Now if we end up glowing neon after the visit - it should be an interesting flight home.   As the spa is on the way to the airport, the common practise is for travellers to take the waters and then head to the airport - we fly home tonight.

Iceland is a beautiful country with lovely, friendly people and while the names of places are difficult to pronounce - it was quite easy to get around.  A few items of curiosity that we noted include - there was no admission charged to view the fabulous sites - waterfalls, the geysers, the mud pots, craters or even into National Parks.  The only time we paid for things is when you needed a guide or a vehicle - ie - the glacier hike and whale watching.  You are not required to sign release forms before heading off on an adventure - rock climbing, whale watching, etc.  At many of the sites we visited - there was no railings on the cliffs or stopping you from getting close to the falls or the edge.  From what we could see the only barriers were in place to protect the environment - not you.   You can hike all over the place though there was some limitations on camping locations in the parks.    The washroom or (WC) facilities were great all over the island - even the park's loo had running water and many were heated.   The restaurants has been great - fabulous fresh fish - we often went with the catch of the day.  Plus the food was presented beautifully and with imagine and often in huge portions - we really had to hike on those days!  Though we did not try the exotic (well to us) menu items - minke whale, fermented shark, puffin or horse meat.  All locals that we connected with spoke English - in fact many spoke more that 2 languages. While the weather can be changeable - we had beautiful sunny days but you always carried a fleece or jacket as that wind could really go through you.  The sun does set in the summer (around midnight) - it just does not get dark and even after two weeks it is hard to get use to the late evening brightness. 

We have had a fabulous trip and will definitely put Iceland on the list to return.  So adieu from Iceland.